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NY Islanders Plus/Minus for 2023-24: Sebastian Aho

By Michael Stahurski |
New York Islanders v Montreal Canadiens
New York Islanders v Montreal Canadiens / Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages
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Left off the lineup card on opening night last season, Sebastian Aho quickly evolved into an every-night player for the NY Islanders. Aho was beaten out by Robin Salo as the sixth defenseman, slotting in on the left side of defense. After just four games and coming off an abysmal performance against the New Jersey Devils, a move was made for Aho to replace Salo, with Aho unwilling to relinquish the position for the remainder of the season.

Aho played in 71 games last season, finishing with 23 points (5 goals, 18 assists). He earned power play time with the second unit, totaling five points (one goal) on an Islanders special teams that struggled from the get-go.

While Aho feels like a young prospect, he was drafted at 21, set to turn 28 near this seasons All-Star break. With Salo looking to take his position back and Samuel Bolduc breathing down his neck as one of the organization's best defensive products, Aho will need to improve on his 2022-23 season if he hopes to remain an everyday player.

PLUS

Averaging significantly less ice time than his defensive teammates at 16:46 a game, Aho managed to keep up with the pack in the points category, finishing one above Alexander Romanov and one below Scott Mayfield, who both played at least three minutes more per game.

He may not be the ideal power play threat, but Aho is capable of holding his own. With the Isles typically playing two defensemen on the second power play unit, Aho slots better into that second defenseman role. He's not going to beat anyone with a booming shot, but he's not shy about getting the puck toward the net and looking for a deflection. His five power play points aren't anything to write home about, but it's not as if he had much help on one of the league's worst power plays.

On a team where skating and speed seem to be an issue, Aho is one of the team's better skaters along the blue line. He can typically keep up with the opposition when tracking back into the defensive zone but will struggle against some of the higher-end skaters.

MINUS

Aho is currently on the fringe of being considered an NHL-level defenseman. His performance last season was much more than most would have expected, yet, he's the defenseman to come out of the lineup if the team believes they can improve at the position.

While size isn't considered as important as a decade ago, it still has its benefits, especially on the defensive end. Measuring 5'10" and 180 lbs, Aho struggles against larger opponents, especially in front of goal. Coming up against a much stronger net-front presence, Aho has difficulty moving the opposition out of dangerous areas in front of the crease.

Aho's deficiencies became more prominent as the Isles took on the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The speed and physicality of the 'Canes became an issue for Aho, as it took him a few games to look comfortable with the pace.

With three options as the Isles' third left-handed defenseman, the leash will likely be short for Aho, as his position could be in jeopardy if he doesn't perform.

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